2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a trendy blacked-out exterior trim. This edition sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a sporty appearance with black 20-inch aluminum wheels, unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition was priced at $44,995, excluding the destination fee. Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition featured a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable option. The interior also included metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, creating a modern ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that prioritized practicality over style. Despite its minivan image, it offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain, making it a standout choice for those seeking efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited trim, priced at $64,960 with options, featured a black Nappa premium leather interior, which felt luxurious but was somewhat dated in design. The Pacifica Hybrid's exterior and interior styling were softer compared to the more architectural motifs gaining popularity. However, it excelled in providing a comfortable and spacious interior, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, enhancing the driving experience. The Ascent's towing capacity was up to 2,270 kilograms, and it featured Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, making it capable in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. It delivered a total system output of 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes. It achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system contributed to its efficiency. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent offered seating for up to eight people, although the third row was best suited for children. The interior featured a comfortable driving position, water-resistant seat material, and triple-zone climate control. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a useful dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space behind the third row was 458 litres, expanding to 2,061 litres with both rows folded down. The Ascent's wide rear doors and available captain's chairs made loading and unloading easy.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior boasted impressive storage options, including a large floor tray and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than standard Stow n' Go chairs, and the third-row seat offered reasonable comfort. Cargo space behind the third row was 914 litres, expanding to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, the voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, lacking in sonic quality. Additional technology features were reserved for the Premier trim.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, but the system's overall operation was smooth. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, the system's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a comprehensive package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed.